Stories from real people who are blending the outdoors with the everyday, the latest information about gear we love, advice to get you into a new activity or take your passion to the next level, and trip reports to help you plan your next adventure.

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Fit:
True to size

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 200 lbs

Size Purchased: twin

This blanket is the best wool blanket I've found. I used it during our recent summer trip through Alaska and the Yukon. We slept in a roof top tent for over a month and the blanket was perfect for making the tent feel like home. It was essential on the nights that slipped below freezing.

When we were not using it in the tent it became the favorite spot to sit or recline at camp, or a blanket to wrap up in around the fire.

It's thicker than I expected and the wool is soft and not itchy. These blankets are the real deal and I'll be using them for years to come.

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Fit:
True to size

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 200 lbs

Size Purchased: one size

This hat is great! the color is just the right kind of red and the fit is tight but not too tight. It is full acrylic so it doesnât soak up water like my merino wool cap. It is warm when the temp drops.

I wore it almost overnight while on a 20 day adventure in the Andes of Peru and it still looks great.

Mostly this hat just looks good and that is what it is supposed to do. Iâll be looking to buy another if I misplace this one.

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Fit:
True to size

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 200 lbs

Size Purchased: US 11

These boots came in 2 days before my 20 day trip in the andes of Peru. We hiked over 150 miles. Not a wise way to get boots before a good trip as if they didnât fit or needed a long break in period I would have been in a world of hurt.

When they arrived they seemed to fit well and the construction seemed very solid.

The first day in Peru I found that they fit well. We had a short 14 mile first day that included 2,000 feet of elevation gain, rain and mud. The boots performed flawlessly with no hot spots or fit issues.

I have relatively high volume feet that are average to wide width. I liked that the Superalp has a full lace construction so I could tailor the fit to my foot. I used the Smartwool Trekker socks.

Over the next 20 days I hiked over 150 miles with not one blister or sore foot. The boots breathe well so I never felt like I was swampy. They also are legitimately waterproof. I tested this several times when I was too lazy to find shallow routes across creeks.

The rocks in the area of the Andes we were in are primarily quartz and sharp as heck. The guides say that they need a new pair of boots every 2 treks, or 300 miles. I definitely see some where on the soles of the boots but I would say that I have over 80% life left.

Nothing but praise for these boots. My hiking partner is now buying a pair, his boots left him with many blisters on our trip.

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Fit:
Runs small

I was so Impressed with this pant! Backcountry.com sent me this pant to use during my 20 day trip in the Andes of Peru.

My first impression was that they run incredibly small. I ordered a Euro 50 (supposedly a 35" waist, I'm a 34" waist) and it was 2 sizes too small. I ordered a Euro 54 (37" waist) and it fit perfect.

After my initial issues with sizing the experience could not have been better!

I was skeptical that I would stay dry in the intense rain storms that happen in the higher altitudes. The pants performed perfectly with no need to throw on rain pants over them.

They also breathe so well that I never felt the need to wear my hiking shorts even on 75 degree days. The crotch zip vents and the full leg zips work well to keep the heat down. The zippers themselves work smoothly and with one hand.

I'm a skeptic and thought there was no way one pant could work for so many conditions. These pants do it all and I now know why they command the high price tag. You won't need a second pair of hiking pants with these. I wore them everyday for 20 days and they surprised me with there versatility and performance.